Tastemaker Eve Bushman
By David Beebe
WHAT SHE DOES: First and foremost I taste wine, then I drink what I like, I socialize, then I socialize some more as the “taste” becomes the “drink”, finally, I blog, Facebook and Tweet all about it.
HOW SHE GOT THERE: I’d been writing an “Eve of Destruction” column in my local newspaper for 14 years. Generally having fun poking fun. About 5 years ago they asked me what else I could write about for their Entertainment Weekly. Book and Wine reviews came to mind. As soon as I started getting attention for the wine columns, with invites to charity events with wine and commercial tastings, I practically stopped reading all together.
WHY SHE LIKES IT: I learn from both [wine novices and experts], and thoroughly enjoy the bantering. Especially when that second, or 16th, bottle is opened.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Making time to put up daily content on my blog. Somehow, with contributing writers, press releases that I find unique, charity events with wine…it all has a place on my blog. I see that other wine bloggers don’t do this. My blog description is: this wine blog isn’t over your head. You won’t see a photo of a wine bottle, or glass, on every post. You’ll read, you’ll have fun, and you’ll get it!
ON THE LATEST TRENDS: Making wine more accessible in pricing and interesting marketing. Everyone, from the Wall Street Journal to blog sites, is selling wine. It’s a lot for the consumer to choose from so it gives all kinds of consumers all kinds of choices.
WHAT SHE’S DRINKING NOW: Well, right now it’s Coffee Bean’s Viennese blend. But last night it was 2005 Alexander Valley Lancaster Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. A cheesy nose, but in a good way! And we paired it with some great jazz…
ALL TIME FAVORITE WINE: Lynch Bages Chateauneuf dupape. But don’t ask me to describe the wine beyond “perfection”; it’s the occasion that calls it to mind now as most will find when tasting wine over many years. Wine, and the people you share it with, is something to ponder.
ADVICE FOR NEWBIES: Read Eve’s Wine 101 blog! Seriously, don’t be intimidated by it all! I started with taking classes, going to tastings, reading everything I could get my hands on and I still consider myself a wine 101er. I know my way around a wine store or a wine event, but if I want expert advice I ask for it. Ask questions, where ever you go.
PERFECT DAY OFF: 8 hours of sleep, coffee, a run…then blogging the afternoon away. Then, getting dressed to the nines, slinging my Eve’s Wine 101 wine glass holder around my neck, grabbing pen and pad, camera, and heading out to a comprehensive tasting. Meeting my wine peeps, taking photos, quotes, finding a new wine find….then getting up and doing it all over again.
Leave your comments below about this article and then check out Eve’s Wine 101!
Eve is such a sweetheart, too! Cheers!
I love Eve’s blog. She is so knowledgeable and fun!